Father's Day Gift Guide

With Father's Day quickly approaching, I'm sure you are considering what to do for Dad! Maybe you've already got it all figured out (good for you!) but if you need a few ideas, here you go! My kids and I plan to whisk Daddy away for the weekend so he can indulge in some much-needed relaxation, extra sleep (his request...) and a little fun in the sun. Whatever your hubby or dad is into, you are sure to find something to make him happy and feel appreciated on his special day!

- Breakfast in bed. This is a classic for a reason! Who doesn't like to sleep in a little while the kids and mommy prepare a nice, hot breakfast, maybe with the newspaper or his favorite magazine included in the spread. Donuts and coffee work too!
- For the reader, a new book with a coffee gift card tucked in is perfect.
- For the snacker, and I happen to know a few, how about an assortment of cheeses and crackers or chocolates? Throw in a six-pack of his favorite beer or a bottle of wine and you've got it made.
- Bake something! This is my answer to everything and for good reason! It's easy, inexpensive and a personal way to show your love. This year, thanks to a wealth of bananas from a neighbor, I baked homemade banana nut bread for the fellas in my life and wrapped them to gift.
- For the guy who spends most time in the garage (my hubby, of course!) a gift card to Sears, Matco or Snap-On are great options because they WILL get used. Or, listen extra carefully for a tool he needs and get it for him. This takes some paying attention because for me, most of that stuff goes over my head!
- For the man with the creative side, think about getting him a set of Lincoln Logs, K'Nex, a model car kit or some other item he can create with the kids. They will all have fun making something together (and bonus, give you some quiet time!)
I hope these suggestions were helpful! It's always fun to have a reason to shop, bake and craft so get moving!
What are you getting that special guy?

Happiness at Home

Being a stay-home mom isn't always easy. Yes, I can stay in my pajamas til noon if I want, go to the park or other adventures on a whim, get my errands done before dinner and there is not much pressure as far as our schedule goes. But on the other hand...I'm with my kids all day, must entertain them, keep them fed, keep dinners on the table, food in the cupboards and there is more pressure to keep a tidy home because...what else am I doing all day? Ha! I have the lovely task of scheduling all the doctors appointments, dental check-ups and getting the oil changed, the car washed..etc. So although there are perks to it, being home with my kiddos all day, every day can definitely be draining. For the first year or so of having two kids, I hit the ground running, constantly staying busy, meeting up with friends and taking my kids on field trips until it hit me..my life is just a series of play dates. And who the heck am I putting all this effort out for anyway? Me...or my kids? To beat my boredom or their's? So I'm trying to slow down, savor the morning, prepare for the day leisurely, have a cup of coffee and let the day take us where it may. After all, life is not a race and if the kids end up making a huge mess out of blankets, pillows and sheets all for the sake of creating a secret hideout, then by all means, I let them go for it. The grocery store can wait. Being happier does not equal being busier. Being happier at home just means being more content with my juncture in life, taking things as they come and holding myself to my own standard, not comparing myself to what other mothers out there are doing. And I think I'm doing a pretty good job.
What's your secret to being happy at home??

10 Years and Counting...

Tomorrow my hubby and I will celebrate ten years of marriage, fifteen years together total. Wow. When I look at my life, my home, and my two beautiful children, I have a hard time finding words to describe how I feel about all we've achieved together. Lucky? Blessed? Overjoyed? It has been a work in progress but I can honestly say I am happier now at this point in our lives than ever before. Having children has enriched our lives beyond words and our relationship has only grown, strengthened and solidified over time. We've gotten far past any jealousies, insecurities or petty concerns that might fuel arguments in those first years of marriage. We know each other in a way that nobody else does and have a trust, friendship and bond that's incomparable. I believe the Lord put Mike in my life during a time when I needed him the most, those tumultuous teenage years! He was a steady rock then and continues to be a comforting presence whenever I need him most. He keeps me grounded with his level-headed approach to problems and gives me a sense of accomplishment for all I do as a wife and mother, constantly affirming my role in his life. Without being too cheesy, I think the words from "Come What May", our first song at our wedding, continue to say it best..."Never knew I could feel like this, like I've never seen the sky before. Want to vanish inside your kiss, every day I love you more and more." And I do. Really! Every day is better than the last. I continue to see the best in my goofball of a partner, never taking for granted what we've built over time and what the Lord has so richly blessed. So over a romantic dinner, we plan to celebrate, reminisce, and plan for the next ten! I can't wait to see what's in store.
What's your love story?

Coconut Cream (or Dream...) Cake

I found this Coconut Cream Cake recipe on Pinterest and just HAD to try it. I adore all things coconut and had never made a cake with this feature flavor, believe it or not. It's super simple as it starts with a boxed cake mix. It's similar to a tres leches cake as it's super moist and flavorful throughout. Here's the recipe and if you are an Almond Joy lover like myself, you've got to give it a try!

Cake:
1 white cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup oil
1 cup milk
1 pkg. vanilla pudding mix (just the powder, do not make the pudding)
Filling:
7 oz. coconut milk (can be found in the Asian food aisle...took me some help to find!)
7 oz. sweetened condensed milk
Topping:
1 tub whipped topping
1 cup coconut, plus more to garnish

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees and prepare cake mix, pouring into a 9X13 pan and baking about 20 minutes or until golden brown. Once cake is cooled, mix the sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk and, after poking holes in cake with fork, pour over top. (You'll only need half the can of both so I froze the rest for another cake..) Allow to cool in fridge about an hour then top with the whipped topping mixed with 1 cup coconut. Then, if you really want to get fancy, toast a little extra coconut to sprinkle over the top. Enjoy!

Happy Memorial Day!

I hope you all enjoy your day off and have a wonderful time with family, friends and hopefully, some good grub! Let's not forget what this day is about..remembering the brave men and women who tirelessly defend our country and freedom. Happy Memorial Day!

Holla for Challah

I was thumbing through a cookbook the other day when a recipe for challah bread caught my eye. I enjoy making bread but not wanting to deal with a fussy recipe, I tweaked it a bit to work for me. Challah bread is different than any bread I've made in that it has eggs. The eggs lend for a dense, rich texture and subtly sweet taste. Braided and topped with poppy seeds, it makes for such a stunning start to any meal. And the smell? You just can't beat the smell of freshly baked bread! If you've never tried making bread, this is easy, I promise.

Challah Bread
3 1/2 cups flour, plus extra for kneading
1 pkg. active dry yeast
1 cup warm water
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs, beaten (3 if you want an egg wash over the top..I skipped this step.)
poppy seeds, for top

Mix warm water and yeast in a mixing bowl then prepare dough by adding the remaining ingredients and mix well. Allow to rise for at least an hour. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Then, working in two batches, braid the dough on a floured surface then transfer to a baking sheet. Sprinkle poppy seeds over the top and bake for about thirty-five minutes or until golden brown. Serve with lots of butter and jam.

My Menu This Week

Coming off a Pinterest bender, I've found some recipes that are sure to shake dinner up! I have been so tired of my usual chicken recipes so it was time for something new. Here's my menu for the week, maybe it will inspire you to try something new too!

Tuesday: BBQ...going to make some burgers on the grill with fresh corn on the cob (wrapped in foil with butter and salt...mmmm!)
Wednesday: Chicken bacon ranch pasta- bite-sized chicken breast with a can of Italian style tomatoes, a little milk, garlic and a ranch dressing packet served over pasta, topped with crunchy bacon.
Thursday: Crock-Pot pork tenderloin (Pork tenderloin and BBQ sauce..that's it!) served with my favorite Hawaiian rolls and fruit salad.
Friday: Lean ground turkey tacos with all the fixins'.
Saturday: Crock-Pot baked potato bar...wrap potatoes with foil and place in slow cooker for 4-6 hours! Serve with chili, sour cream, cheese, broccoli..etc. You can always microwave them...two potatoes take about 15 minutes on high..
Sunday: Dinner out!
What are you cooking this week?